Boro are hoping to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Carlo Nash in time to link up with the squad for the opening Premiership clash at Fulham on Saturday.

The 29-year-old has agreed to join the club following extensive negotiations during the week.

The deal is virtually completed - for an undisclosed fee - although Boro cannot make an official announcement until the necessary paperwork is completed.

Nash is a powerful 6ft 5in keeper who was understudy to Peter Schmeichel at Maine Road last season.

He did play nine games for City during the campaign, but Schmeichel was always No.1. Nash's opportunities at City were again expected to be restricted this season following the arrival of David Seaman from Arsenal.

So he will relish the opportunity to start afresh with Boro, where he must try to put the pressure on Boro's No.1 Mark Schwarzer.

Boro see Nash as the ideal replacement for Mark Crossley, who joined Fulham in a #500,000 move yesterday.

Crossley is likely to be on the bench for the Whites in Saturday's clash.

Nash, who was born in Bolton, started his career with Crystal Palace, and later played for Stockport County, with whom he played 89 games.

He has spent three seasons with City and made 38 appearances for the club.

Fulham announced yesterday that Crossley had signed a two-year deal at Loftus Road.

Crossley said: "I am pleased to have joined Fulham and the great squad of players that the club has. I have settled in easily and everyone has been very welcoming.

"I have known Chris Coleman for a long time because of the Welsh national team and I am looking forward to the season ahead with Fulham, with him as manager."

Crossley's arrival follows the departure of Maik Taylor to Birmingham on loan.